Earl Clifford Beeks Sr

Earl Clifford Beeks was born to Lewis and Virgie Lee Beeks on July 11, 1926 in St. Louis, Mis- souri. Along with his siblings, he attended the St. Louis Public schools. While attending Va- shon High school, Earl was very active in extra-curricular activities including football, basket- ball, track, concert choir, and had a lead part in the senior class play. As a sophomore, he was proud to have been selected as Vashon’s Most Outstanding Student. Excelling in academics, Earl was a member of the National Honor Society, and president of the 1944 graduation class. Earl earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO where he fell in love with his college sweetheart, Audele Beeks. They were married on June 9, 1948 at Washington Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church. To this union of 66 years of marriage were born three children, Tasceaie C. Beeks, Anita L. Beeks, and Earl C. Beeks, Jr. After receiving his B.S. degree Earl entered Washington University in St. Louis, MO and earned a Master’s degree. Before making St. Louis his permanent home, Earl and his family lived in Fulton, MO, Vallejo, CA and Jefferson City, MO where he was a member of the Lincoln University faculty. As an educator, Earl’s career began as the principal of Carver Elementary School in Fulton, MO. The students in the elementary school lovingly referred to him as "Professor". Later he taught and coached at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, and Vashon High School in St. Louis. To this day he is referred to as "Coach" by those athletes that he mentored along the way. Earl was the first African American Principal of University City High School where he led the district through the challenging years of social integration. Later he was pro- moted to the position of Director of Student Services until he retired after 22 years of work- ing in the University City School District. The Beeks family joined Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church during the late 1930’s. Earl was involved in the total church program: Sunday School, Junior Choir, Christian Endeavor, Bible School, Basketball team, and other activities. Earl served on the church’s Steward Board, Cathedral Choir and Lucas Heights’ Board of Directors. Earl was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Vashon Hall of Fame, and Lincoln University Hall of Fame. Earl was an avid golfer and a family man. He spent countless hours with family on many occasions ranging from family reunions, family excursions, and the many trips to Kansas City, Oklahoma and California to be with family members. Earl was a role model to his students, colleagues, family and friends. His way of living life was an example of integrity, honesty, patience, faith, and love. Preceding him in death his mother, Virgie Lee, father, Lewis, brothers Virgil, Robert, and George, and sister, Helen. He is survived by his wife, Audele M. Beeks, daughter, Anita Beeks Barner, Ph.D. (Robert Barner, Ph.D.) of Los Angeles, California, son, Earl C. Beeks, Jr, M.D. (Esther Beeks, D.D.S.) of St. Louis, Mo, and his seven grandchildren—Tasceaie Church- well, Ph. D. (Jason Churchwell, Ph.D.) of Riverside, California, Alexis Colino (Michael Colino), Michaun Barner, Robert Barner, Jr., of Los Angeles, Ca; Earl Beeks III, Victoria Beeks, David Beeks; great grandchildren---Sarah Elena Churchwell of Riverside, Ca and Rio Colina of Los Angeles, Ca. He also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, fraternity brothers and friends.

Earl Clifford Beeks Sr

July 11, 1926 - May 31, 2014